Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Ace Ventura's



I never knew there really is such thing ... was it part of the pun after all?

I went bumblebeetuna! to everyone in the office while flashing it...and i think they all thought I was weird...wait, they already thought that way even b4.

For those not on the know, watch Ace Ventura II- When Nature Calls.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

MANILLA SKY

My celphone rang and a name in my address book that I never thought I still have was on the display. I quickly answered and the caller casually asked if I wanted to have a walk at the malls today. I was speechless for a little while, trying to conjure a logical explanation to what was happening - as this person would never in her existence, call me, ever... but, I was quite glad to hear that voice again, and I simply responded that I'd meet with her any time. We decided to meet at the Greenhills shopping center. How romantic can I get - I realized a moment later.

She was a little chubby-er than I used to remember, but she still has that disarming smile and the sense of homely comfort that only close friends can give. At that brief moment, all the years gone by were bridged; creating continuity in my present...and it didn't seem that long anymore. I asked her quickly, trying to get straight to the point, as her answer was all that matters that moment, "I thought you were going to get married soon?"... silence...she blankly stared back. I realized I actually didn't ask the question. Hearing the truth probably would not mean much but bring me back to the pang of reality.

We walked along, like we used to. Looking at the clothes, shoes, bags, sharing out quips on the design, the price - unimportant filler words. "I wish we can stay a bit longer", I said. Then she gibed at her watch and I instinctively followed and realized it has only been 3 minutes. "Well, I meant, do this often". She just smiled. Her silence was loud, a muted concierto of what was going inside her head. I still didnt know where to start. She checked her phone and said, "I have to hurry back home and prepare the things I'll bring on my trip".

We jumped into a cab and when we came at her house, her mother was at the front door, looking very glad to see me. She greeted; "thank you for coming over, grandma has been asking about you all this time". I went to grandma who was staring at a distance and kissed her on the forehead. "Where have you been and where are you going, sir?" she asked. I politely replied that I have been quite busy but will try to visit more often. She smiled.

Her mother's eyes were saying; "yes, you two would have made a good couple, a perfect one indeed, but I am sorry that I do not know why you are not". Her acceptance of the situation was admirably sweet. We walked around their neighborhood and I asked, "I emailed you a lot of times, trying to re-connect, but you never replied". She snapped back, "but even if I replied, what good would that do? You are thousands of miles away while my fiance has been right here with me all the time." A concise reply that will probably hole up in one of those rooms in my head - and one whole truth to bring everything back into perspective. "I am going away where you will never see me again," she added. I think I knew that a long time ago but the romantic in me kept holding to a fantasy that this must be a good story that usually ends happily ever after.

"I need to get some water for the house, can you come with me down the village to fill up the containers?," she asked. I told her that it would be easier if we rent a tricycle, load the containers and just pay the driver the cost for everything. She hailed one passing by and I asked the driver how much the task would cost. The tricycle driver replied, pointing with his lips, 50 pesos for that 10 galon container... I was a bit hesitant but then gave in as I found the time with her more precious than 5 pesos per galon of water. I reached for my wallet and as I raised my head back, she was gone. I looked around, ran back to the house, but found no one there too, I glanced back at the tricycle and it too had gone.... piiii-piii-piii-piiii-piiii-piiiii - my alarm clock went.... I opened my eyes, dazed, and gave a sigh.